My Fave Sunscreen

I don't care if I look like one of those kabuki women. I just gotta protect the face cuz I don't want anymore sun spots! (I still need to get laser treatment in Korea for the existing ones.)

Being that I'm in the direct sun right below a huge hole in the ozone (or so they tell us, probably to sell more sunscreen), the effectiveness of my sunscreen is critical. I'm not willing to experiment with making my own when there's a FEW really good products out there. This is what I'm looking for in my sunscreen:

• Stays on at least a full 2 hours--doesn't wash off easily

• No chemicals, all natural ingredients, nothing toxic, I can pronounce every ingredient.

• Reef safe - doesn't damage the very reef that creates our awesome waves

• Sits on top of your skin, doesn't get absorbed into your skin

• Local company (since I'm going to be supporting them a LOT)

• Prevents dark spots. I have a no-tolerance policy for sunscreens that don't do their #1 job.

Clockwise from top left: Big globs on my cheeks is where this process begins. (top right): Selfie surprise--OMG this is what I look like when I spread it on? (bottom right): ) Heaven protect us from the sun! (bottom left): After 2 full hours surfing, wiping my face, you can see it's still very much ON.

I have a no-tolerance policy for sunscreens that don't do their #1 job (preventing dark spots).

The Three Contestants

• Pūko‘a Organics - Current favorite. Get it from their website. Local company, Kamehameha grads. Love them, their mission and values.

• Avasol - Highest quality, awesome product. Buy on their website.

• Little Hands Hawaii - Locally made, another great product. I used to get it from Surf Garage.

I've used each of these for a good amount of time (years) until I ran out and found something better. And the winner is...drumroll pleez...PŪKOʻA!!! Get a load of their ingredient list: Organic beeswax, organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, non-nano zinc oxide, organic green tea infused almond oil, organic cocoa powder, organic raspberry seed oil and cinnamon. I think I'll go eat my face stick now. That's how safe it is!